Patella & microgreens FAQ

Microgreens are vegetable greens harvested just after the first leaves have developed. 
Microgreens come in all sorts of shapes and colors and are packed with flavor and vitamins.

Depending on the variety, the concentration of vitamin C,vitamin K,Bèta Carotene and anti-oxidants can be up to 40 times as high as the adult plant (<source>).

Because Microgreens are eaten raw and you can harvest them fresh in house, little of the nutritional value is lost during preparation.

Well, for starters you don't have to do anything, of course... Whatever makes you happy.

But you might actually like micro greens: they come in all kinds of shapes and sizes and are high in flavor and nutrients.

Did you know the concentration of vitamins in microgreens can be up to 40 times as high as the adult plant? - Speed healthy eating in a pretty package!

Plus, growing them yourself with the Patella Crescenda means you keep control of 100% organic sprouts.

Depends on the variety, obviously.
But all in all you can expect your sprout to grow from seed to harvest-ready between 5-7 days.

A warm environment will speed up the growing process, whereas a cooler temperature can slow it down.

When it comes to taste, i guess that is each to his own, although i really like the good old garden cress.

If you ask me about the healthiest microgreen: "Among the 25 microgreens tested, red cabbage, cilantro, garnet amaranth, and green daikon radish had the highest concentrations of vitamin C, carotenoids, vitamin K, and vitamin E, respectively. In general, microgreens contained considerably higher levels of vitamins and carotenoids—about five times greater—than their mature plant counterparts" (straight from Wikipedia)

Also, don't grow microgreens froms seeds of the nightshade family: tomatoes, eggplant etc, as those plants are toxic.

NO! (Good question!)

Be careful with plants of the nightshade family: tomatoes, eggplant etc, as they are pretty toxic.

Working on it!

The cost of microgreen seeds varies depending on the type of seeds, the quantity purchased, and the supplier.

While some specialty varieties of microgreen seeds can be more expensive, many common varieties are relatively inexpensive and can yield a large quantity of microgreens.

It is also possible to cultivate your own seeds by moving some of your microgreens to soil, allowing them to grow and flower, then harvest the seeds and save them for future use.

Check out the Microgreen overview here.

It is important to harvest your microgreens at the right time to get the most flavor and nutrition.

The ideal time to harvest your microgreens will depend on the specific type of microgreen you are growing.

Generally, microgreens are ready to harvest when they have grown to a height of 2.5-7.5 cm (1-3 inches).

If you wait too long to harvest your microgreens, they may become too tall and develop a bitter taste.

It is best to harvest them when they have reached their full size but before they begin to produce true leaves. You can determine the optimal harvesting time by monitoring the growth of your microgreens and tasting them to find the desired flavor.

It is never too late to harvest your microgreens, but it is important to do so before they become too tall and the flavor becomes unpleasant.

We usually eat the microgreens straight from the Patella kit, but it is also possible to pick and store them.

To store harvested hydroponic microgreens, follow these steps:

1. Rinse the harvested microgreens with cold water to remove any dirt, debris or fertilizer residue.
2. Gently shake off excess water and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Line a plastic container or a sealable plastic bag with a paper towel and place the microgreens inside.
4. Seal the container or bag and store it in the refrigerator.
5. Depending on the type of microgreens, they can last for up to a week or more when stored properly.
6. Avoid storing them in a wet container or bag, as excess moisture can cause the microgreens to spoil quickly.

There is some evidence to suggest that hydroponic microgreens may be more nutritious than soil-grown microgreens.

In hydroponic systems, the nutrients are delivered directly to the plant roots, which can result in faster growth and higher nutrient uptake.

However, the overall nutrient content of the microgreens can vary depending on the specific growing conditions and the type of plant being grown.

It is generally recommended to choose a variety of different types of microgreens to ensure a diverse range of nutrients in your diet.

The United Nations has recognized the importance of microgreens as a sustainable and nutritious food source.

Microgreens were specifically mentioned as a promising and innovative way to increase access to fresh, nutritious food in urban areas and other environments with limited space for traditional agriculture.

The UN also highlighted the potential of microgreens to contribute to food security and poverty reduction, as they can be grown locally and year-round with minimal resources.

Microgreens, in general, are packed with nutrients and can provide health benefits, including boosting the immune system.

Some microgreens that are particularly high in antioxidants and immune-boosting compounds include:

1. Broccoli microgreens
2. Kale microgreens
3. Red cabbage microgreens
4. Arugula microgreens
5. Radish microgreens
6. Cilantro microgreens
7. Beet microgreens
8. Wheatgrass microgreens
9. Sunflower microgreens
10. Pea shoot microgreens

It's important to note that while microgreens can be a healthy addition to a diet, they shouldn't be relied upon as the sole source of nutrition.
A well-rounded diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is still essential for overall health and wellbeing.

Vitamin A helps maintain healthy vision, skin, and immune function.
Some microgreens that are a good source of vitamin A include:

1. Carrot microgreens
2. Red cabbage microgreens
3. Kale microgreens
4. Mustard microgreens
5. Beet microgreens
6. Swiss chard microgreens
7. Collard microgreens
8. Arugula microgreens

These microgreens are high in beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body.

B vitamins are important for energy metabolism, brain function, and healthy skin and eyes.

Different microgreens have varying amounts of vitamin B, but some of the best sources include:

1. Broccoli microgreens: high in vitamin B6 and folate
2. Pea shoots: high in vitamin B1, B2, and B3
3. Sunflower microgreens: high in vitamin B6 and folate
4. Radish microgreens: high in vitamin B6 and folate
5. Wheatgrass: high in vitamin B6 and B12

It's important to note that the nutrient content of microgreens can vary depending on growing conditions, so it's always a good idea to eat a variety of different microgreens to get a range of nutrients.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect against cell damage and promotes healthy skin and immune function.
Some of the best microgreens to eat to get vitamin C are:

1. Broccoli microgreens
2. Kale microgreens
3. Pea microgreens
4. Radish microgreens
5. Red cabbage microgreens
6. Sunflower microgreens
7. Wheatgrass microgreens.

It's important to note that microgreens are not a substitute for a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Microgreens are generally a good source of vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
However, some microgreens are particularly high in vitamin E, including:

1. Sunflower microgreens
2. Broccoli microgreens
3. Radish microgreens
4. Pea microgreens
5. Wheatgrass microgreens

Keep in mind that the exact nutrient content of microgreens can vary depending on the growing conditions and other factors.

Microgreens are a good source of vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting and bone health.
Here are some of the best microgreens to eat for vitamin K:

1. Kale microgreens
2. Broccoli microgreens
3. Red cabbage microgreens
4. Mustard microgreens
5. Amaranth microgreens
6. Beet microgreens
7. Swiss chard microgreens
8. Cilantro microgreens

These microgreens are not only high in vitamin K but also have many other nutrients and health benefits.

Many microgreens are known to have anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of various phytochemicals, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, and other antioxidants.

Some of the microgreens that are particularly high in anti-inflammatory compounds include:

1. Broccoli microgreens
2. Red cabbage microgreens
3. Radish microgreens
4. Cilantro microgreens
5. Basil microgreens
6. Arugula microgreens
7. Mustard microgreens
8. Wheatgrass microgreens
9. Kale microgreens
10. Amaranth microgreens

Incorporating these microgreens into your diet may help to reduce inflammation and promote overall health and wellness.

Yes, you can move hydroponically grown microgreens to soil. However, the process can be a bit tricky and may require some extra care to ensure successful transplantation. Here are some tips to help you move your microgreens to soil:

1. Choose the right soil: Make sure you use a high-quality soil mix that is loose and well-draining. A soil mix designed specifically for seedlings is a good option.
2. Transplant at the right time: Wait until your microgreens have developed a good root system before transplanting. This will usually take around 10-14 days.
3. Be gentle: When removing your microgreens from the growth disks, be careful not to damage the roots or stems. Use a small spoon or spatula to lift the plants out of the water.
4. Prepare the soil: Fill your planting container with soil and create small holes where you will place your microgreens.
5. Plant your microgreens: Carefully place your microgreens in the holes you created in the soil. Gently press the soil around the roots to secure them in place.
6. Water and care for your plants: Water your transplanted microgreens thoroughly and place them in a bright, but not direct, light. Keep the soil moist and make sure to fertilize regularly.

Remember that moving hydroponically grown microgreens to soil can be challenging, and there is always a risk of damaging or losing your plants. However, with the right care and attention, it is possible to successfully transplant your microgreens and continue to grow them in soil.

One of the advantages of growing microgreens with your Patella Crescenda is that they can be grown year-round, regardless of the season!

Yes, growing microgreens indoors can be beneficial for your living environment in a number of ways.

Firstly, microgreens can help purify the air by removing pollutants and harmful chemicals.

They can also help regulate humidity levels in your home, which can prevent the growth of mold and other allergens.

Additionally, growing microgreens indoors can provide a source of fresh, nutritious produce, which can help improve your overall health and wellbeing.

Finally, tending to indoor plants and microgreens can have a calming effect, reducing stress levels and promoting a more relaxed living environment.

Microgreens can contribute to a more sustainable and future-proof world in several ways:

1. Efficient use of resources: Microgreens can be grown with minimal space, water, and fertilizer, making them a more sustainable alternative to traditional agriculture.
2. Reduced food waste: Microgreens have a shorter growing cycle than mature plants, so they can be harvested and sold more quickly, reducing the risk of spoilage and waste.
3. Local food production: Growing microgreens can be done year-round and in urban areas, allowing for local food production and reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation.
4. Health benefits: Microgreens are packed with nutrients, making them a healthy addition to any diet. They can be used to supplement meals, adding flavor and nutrition to a range of dishes.

Overall, incorporating microgreens into our diets and supporting local, sustainable food production can help build a more resilient and future-proof food system.

Eating microgreens is considered sustainable for several reasons.

Firstly, microgreens can be grown year-round in a small space, without the need for large amounts of water, fertilizer, or pesticides. This means that they can be grown locally, reducing transportation emissions and the carbon footprint associated with the production and distribution of food.

Additionally, microgreens are a highly efficient crop, as they can produce a large amount of nutritious food in a small area. They also have a quick growth cycle, typically taking only a few weeks to mature, which means that they can be produced and harvested more frequently than many other crops.

Finally, microgreens are highly nutritious, containing high levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This means that they can provide a sustainable and healthy source of food for people, which is important for promoting overall health and wellbeing.